While there’s only a handful of reviews in at the moment, Warner Bros.’ abduction crime drama “Prisoners” currently stands at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95% on Metacritic. Yes, those grades will surely drop when more reviews come in but this is the shorthand, easy way of saying “Prisoners,” starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, was very well-received when it premiered at the Telluride Film Festival this past weekend. If anything the early buzz indicates that those grades may not drastically change, “Prisoners” already seems well loved.
Our reviewer in Telluride wrote that it’s: “A first-rate thriller with a blackened bite… the picture is often graphic and pulls no punches in its disturbing violence.. [and] its unflinching nature gives it a memorable sear that won’t soon be forgotten.” Directed by Foreign Language Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve (“Incendies“), “Prisoners” centers on a man (Jackman) who takes matters into his own hands when his daughter is suddenly abducted and the police (led by a detective played by Jake Gyllenhaal) cannot hold the man suspected for the alleged crime.
Featuring an all-star cast, “Prisoners” includes Paul Dano, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, and Viola Davis among the ensemble. Opening in theaters on September 20th, the drama will receive more shine and acclaim soon no doubt, when it makes it “official” premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next week. Over 30 new photos are below including a few behind-the-scenes snaps that remind us the movie was shot by the great Roger Deakins, who also receives serious props in our aforementioned review.
Roger Deakins is simply amazing. What a genius.